Castillo Rancon
California’s Old Highway 80 might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Golden State, but this often-overlooked stretch of road is packed with history. It’s lined with places where you can step into the past and snap some pretty epic photos. So, here are ten landmarks along Old Highway 80 you definitely shouldn’t skip.
Balboa Park
This park, one of the oldest cultural centers in the U.S., is steeped in history and beauty. Balboa Park’s gardens, museums, and theaters are all set against the backdrop of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, dating back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. It’s a place where you can lose yourself for hours.
Old Plank Road
Old Plank is a historic road that was initially constructed to link towns along the Central Valley to the booming cities. Though much of the original road has long since been replaced or deteriorated, traces of its legacy can still be found. It also symbolizes an era of American expansion.
Lafayette Hotel
The Lafayette Hotel is a historic gem that captures the glamour and elegance of an earlier era. Its vintage charm still stands out with its classic mid-century architecture. Over the decades, the hotel has hosted notable guests and provided a luxurious escape for those looking to experience California’s hospitality in style.
San Diego Automotive Museum
Founded in 1988, this museum is a haven for car enthusiasts or anyone fascinated by the impact of automobiles on society. The museum features an extensive collection of vintage vehicles. Exhibits focus not just on the cars themselves but also on the cultural shifts that accompanied the rise of the automobile.
Desert View Tower
This 80-foot tower was built in the 1920s by a man named Bert Vaughn, who envisioned it as a symbol of the beauty of the desert. For visitors, the tower serves as a tribute to the spirit of the Old West, capturing the essence of the days when travelers ventured down the historic Highway 80.
Ocean-To-Ocean Bridge
At the time of its completion, this bridge was one of the longest concrete bridges in the world. Moreover, the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge was part of the larger effort to create the transcontinental Highway 80, which would eventually stretch all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific.
Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel
The Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel was once a luxurious retreat that drew visitors seeking the restorative benefits of the area’s famous natural hot springs. Known for their healing properties, these mineral-rich waters have long attracted travelers hoping to relax. Today, though the hotel has fallen into a quieter existence, its legacy lives on.
Horton Plaza Pacific Milestone
This landmark is part of the original route that once connected the East Coast to the West Coast. It has been carefully preserved over the years, maintaining its place as a tribute to early 20th-century transportation and the significance of Highway 80 in shaping California’s roadways.
Holt Park
As Highway 80 became one of the primary routes connecting the East to the West, Holt Park served as a peaceful oasis for those making the long trek across California’s desert. Its lush green spaces, mature trees, and picnic areas made it an ideal spot for a break, offering both locals and visitors a quiet place to relax.
Wisteria Candy Cottage
This delightful cottage, which first opened its doors in the early 1920s, is known for its nostalgic ambiance and its irresistible assortment of handcrafted confections. The cottage itself is a perfect reflection of the quaint roadside attractions that dotted the region during the heyday of Highway 80.
